The Swiss Youth Fencing Team Refused To Face Israel’s Flag On The Podium To Protest Its Genocide
“It was a personal gesture, born of our grief and our empathy for the great human suffering of the civilian population, which affects all sides in this conflict.” the team wrote.
Switzerland’s national youth fencing team refused to face the Israeli flag during the award ceremony at the under-23 European fencing championship to protest Israel's genocide in Gaza.
On Saturday, April 26, Swiss players, Ian Hauri, Theo Brochard, Jonathan Fuhrimann and Sven Vineis, who placed second, did not join the Israeli and Italian teams to turn to facie the flag during Israel’s national anthem, following Israel’s win.
The players’ actions faced backlash from the Israeli foreign minister, who called it “disrespectful behavior”.
The players then issued an apology on Instagram on Monday, saying their actions did not reflect “any contempt for Israel.”
“It was a personal gesture, born of our grief and our empathy for the great human suffering of the civilian population, which affects all sides in this conflict,” the team wrote.
It remains unclear if the team will face further consequences from the Swiss Fencing Association.
Israel’s war on Gaza has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians, many women and children, since October 2023.
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Cherry Mohamed
Cherry Mohamed
Cherry Mohamed
